SIMON Donnelly was gutted when Jackie McNamara ended his playing career.

But the decision opened the door to an exciting new role that Donnelly hopes will keep him in the game for the next 20 years.

The ex-Celtic and Scotland forward was enjoying the twilight of his playing days at Partick Thistle two years ago when team-mate McNamara was handed his big break as a gaffer by the club.

The rookie manager’s first decision was to bring Donnelly on board as his trusted No.2 – on the condition he hung up his boots.

The pair haven’t looked back since and after leading Jags to the brink of the First Division title this season they were lured up a level by Dundee United in January.

Donnelly reckons McNamara is destined for the top in the game and is glad to be along for the ride.

The Arabs assistant boss told MailSport: “Jackie’s first job in management was on an interim basis at Partick Thistle. As soon as he got it he phoned and asked me to be his No.2. He also told me I had to hang up my boots.

“I wanted to keep playing but was getting towards the end of my career and knew this was an opportunity to stay involved in football. I had to look at the bigger picture.

“Basically Jackie retired me but hopefully I can have 10 or 15 or 20 years now in this side of the business.

“I believe Jackie has a great future in management. I’ve watched him develop and learn in the past two years. I’m pleased for him – he is now comfortable in the role.

“It’s great that Partick gave him a chance and then Dundee United followed that.

“But I see the stress Jackie has to deal with and it’s not easy for him. Since we came here the phone is on his ear every hour of every day.

“Myself and Darren Jackson try to take as much of the load away from him as we can. I enjoy being on the training pitch with the boys and Darren is the same.

“It’s been a fantastic move to a great club. We have quality players who hopefully can take us places.

“When Jackie was offered the job we knew there were players here we could develop. That excites us all. There is no better sight than good Scottish youngsters holding down a top-team place and kicking on.

“We have Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven, Ryan Gauld, John Soutar and Johnny Russell. There’s a lot to be optimistic about.”

United have the chance to showcase their talents today in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden. They go into the game on a high after last weekend’s dramatic last-gasp win over Aberdeen clinched a place in the SPL top six.

Donnelly smiled: “We have a confidence and feelgood factor after getting into the top six. The celebrations were ridiculous when Rory Boulding scored the winner.

“I jumped on the kitman and he leapt on someone else. Bodies were everywhere. The chairman came into the dressing-room and his pleasure was clear to see. That’s another pressure Jackie has because that result impacts on budgets and signing targets.

“Now we move on to Hampden. We’re up against the best team in Scotland but we’ll have a go and can win this game. Our players have the ability.

“Gary Mackay-Steven can dribble past players in a way I never could. But I try to add bits to his game to take him to the next level.

“Johnny is a top striker and hopefully he’ll be fit for the bench at least.”